John absterdam



geluid 'JOHN ABSTERDAM, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

Letters Patent No. 86,050, dated Janna/ry 19, 1869.

IMPROVEMENT IN REFININ G- AND PURIFYIN G IRON BY MEANS OF FLUXES INTRODUCED BY SUCTION.

The Schedule referred to in these Letters Patent and making part of the same.

"To all 'whom it may concern Be it known that I, J ons A's'rnnDAM, of the city,

in a liquid or solid form, int-o the molten metal in a converter, furnace, potLretort, or other vessel, by suction, in contradistinction to the process heretofore kmiwmwherc such fluxes have beenintroduced into the molten metal by force.

` In order to facilitate the explanation of my process, I will refer to the annexed sketch, which represents a sectional view of my apparatus, such as I may use in carrying out my invention, though I will here remark that I do not wish to confine myself to any particular apparatus, but reserve the right to make such changes in the same may he' desirable, according to varying circumstances.

In carrying out my invention, I introduce the metal or ore to be acted upon by the chemicals or iluxes, into a vessel, A, which may be coilstructed like an ordinary converter, as shownfin'iiihich case the metal is introduced therein in a molten state; or said vessel may represent a cupola or furnace, in which case the metal is first fused in the same before the fluxes are introduced.

This vessel is provided with holes, a, in its sides, and its mouth is connected with a suction-apparatus, B, of any suitable consti-notion.

Under the holes a, and on the outside of the vessel A, are' semicircular shelves, l), on which the fluxes to be introduced are placed, or said holes can be made to connect with a hopper or vessel containing the fluxes.

The fluxes which vI use are generally lthe nitrate of potash and nitratepf sodaal'so,"the oxygenated muriates of potashtbarytasoda, lime, lnagnesia, and manganese; also,`the`fliiorspars and flnate of lime; also, the carbonates of lime and hydrate of lime; also, the oxides of manganese, lead, mercury, and iron, which, however, must be free from sulphur, phosphorus, and arsenic.

I first prepare the nitrates, by melting them in cru cibles, or other suitable vessels, and casting them into suitable lumps, in Wooden moulds. The lumps I immediately reduce to powder, by grinding or otherwise, andpreserve the same in glass or wooden jars or boxes, well closed from contact with the atmosphere, and keep in a dry place until ready for use.

The object of the melting and casting is simply to expel from the nitrates the Water of crystallization.

The oxides, carbonates, and luates, are first heated, so as to deprive them of their moisture.

The fluxes, on being introduced into the converter, pot, furnace, or retort, by suction, permeate the molten metal, together with the atmospheric air, and the ei'ect produced thereby is the supplying of a l. rge volume of oxygen, which is set free from the nitrates or oxides by the great heat of the molten metal, and which unites` with the carbon of the iron, forming carbonio acid, or carbonio-oxide gas, which passes oi, leaving the iron in a state ready to be rolled into blooms for making wrought-iron.

But by introducing into the molten pig-iron only such a quantity of nitrates or oxides as to decarbonize the iron to the degree required for making steel, or semisteel, I obtain in gots from the sam'e that can be rolled into rails and other bars, or rolled or hammered into any other article of manufacture that may he required.

The salts of the nitrates or muriatcs, and the oxides, after having supplied oxygen for divesting or partially divesting the iron of its carbon, are acting as iluxes in depriving the molten metal of other impurities.

Another material advantage of my process is, that the fluxes, on being introduced by suction, come in contact with the molten iron, together with the atmospheric air drawn in by the suction, and by the air an additional supply of oxygen is furnished, and at the same time the nitrogen of the atmospheric air forms a carrier for carrying oil' the. dilated oraeriform impurities.

Having thus described my invention,

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

The within-described process of introducing intc a converter, furnace, pot, or retort containing molten metal, nitrates, muriates, oxides, or other chemicals, capable of supplying oxygen, or of acting as fluxes, either or both, by suction, substantially as set forth.

JOHN ABSTERDAM.

Witnesses W. HAUFF, ERNEST F. KASTENHUBER. 

